A Cromer apprentice plumber suffered serious burns after his Toyota HiLux caught fire during a 4WD trip on Stockton Beach, destroying the vehicle and tools used for work.
Fire During Beach Drive
Coby Rogers, 18, from Cromer, was driving a modified N70 Toyota HiLux twin-cab along Stockton Beach, north of Newcastle, when the vehicle caught fire.
The incident occurred on Friday evening on a section of beach north of the township of Salt Ash. The ute had a dual LPG and petrol fuel system, and flames linked to the LPG tank reportedly spread into the cab area.
Rogers exited the vehicle after the fire began. He sustained burns to his forearms, the front of his legs and his feet.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews responded at the beach and provided treatment at the scene.
Paramedics attended and a medical rescue helicopter was involved in the response before Rogers was transported to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Reports indicate he may require multiple skin graft procedures at the burns unit at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Information shared through a fundraising campaign states that he sustained second and third-degree burns to his arms and legs.
Ute And Work Equipment Lost
The Toyota HiLux was destroyed in the fire. The vehicle contained tools used for Rogers’ plumbing apprenticeship with Davidson’s Plumbing in Cromer.
The report states that about $8,000 worth of tools were lost in the blaze. Personal belongings including a phone, wallet, bag and study materials from TAFE were also destroyed.
The ute had also been used as a work vehicle.
Fundraiser For Recovery
A fundraising campaign has been organised by Rogers’ friend Jai Anderson to help replace tools lost in the fire and support the cost of another vehicle.
The fundraiser page states Rogers lost most of his tools and personal belongings in the incident. It also says the vehicle was a significant personal asset for him.
The campaign, created on 7 March 2026, lists Rogers as the beneficiary and Anderson as the organiser. As of the latest update, the fundraiser had raised about $6,350 towards an $8,000 target through 35 donations.
Community Support
Messages shared online have included expressions of support for Rogers as he recovers from his injuries.
Some comments also speculated about how the fire began, though no confirmed cause has been publicly established in the material available.
Recovery Ahead
Medical treatment and recovery remain the immediate focus following the incident.
The destruction of the ute and work equipment has created additional challenges as Rogers recovers from his injuries and considers replacing essential tools used for his apprenticeship.
Published 12-Mar-2026
